You probably already know that brushing your teeth helps preserve your teeth and gums, but if you’re not also flossing, then you’re only doing half the job. Brushing doesn’t remove all the plaque and bacteria from your teeth; you need to floss between them and beneath your gumline to avoid common dental problems like cavities and gum disease.
If you’re not flossing regularly, continue reading to learn 3 convincing reasons to include it in your twice-daily dental hygiene routine!
Reason #1: Reduce Bleeding
Do your connective tissues ooze or bleed when you floss them? Unfortunately, this can happen if you don’t clean between your teeth consistently. Tartar can build up, causing inflammation that is cleared and released during flossing.
Improving your at-home oral care regimen by flossing more consistently can strengthen your gums so they’re less likely to bleed or feel sensitive during cleanings. If you continue to struggle with tender tissues, you might do better with a water flosser, also known as an oral irrigator. This option relies on a gentle stream of pressurized water to remove residue from your mouth.
Reason #2: Avoid Gum Disease
Many people only think about their teeth when they consider their dental health, but your connective tissues play an essential role in preserving your grin. For instance, advanced periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults because it causes your gums to recede. To make matters worse, this condition cannot always be cured once it progresses, only managed.
Fortunately, it can be prevented with regular flossing. Removing bacteria from your connective tissues both morning and night prevents germs from penetrating them to cause illness or infection. One study found that flossing combined with toothbrushing reduces cases of gingivitis, the earliest form of gum disease, significantly better than brushing alone.
Reason #3: Manage Other Health Conditions
Did you know that your gum health is associated with other serious medical conditions, like diabetes and heart problems, for example? Bacteria can infect the tender tissues of your mouth, and if it isn’t addressed in time, they can enter your bloodstream and travel to other areas of your body.
In fact, experts have revealed that inflammation caused by gum disease contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of potentially life-threatening cardiovascular issues. Germs from your mouth can also be inhaled into the lungs, leaving you more vulnerable to certain respiratory conditions. Gum disease is also associated with diabetes, and managing one can significantly reduce the impact of the other.
Your dentist can provide various services, like antibiotic therapy or scaling and root planing, to address more advanced gum disease. Calling them as soon as you notice an issue improves the chances of reversing your gum disease before it progresses!
About the Practice
Patients at Distinctive Dentistry benefit from a team of dentists eager to help you build and maintain your happiest, healthiest smile. Dr. Shirley, Dr. Cannon, and Dr. Bickford share decades of combined experience and collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services to meet all your needs. Then, they take the time to get to know your individual concerns and goals to tailor treatment plans to address them. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (770) 445-6606.
